The company Schmidt and Schmidt provides services for the reclamation of civil status documents, as well as obtaining duplicates, lost or damaged documents in Serbia with their subsequent legalization and translation.
It often happens that civil status documents are lost or damaged, or it is necessary to obtain current copies of documents. In this case, it is necessary to reclaim duplicates of documents. Often, those who have left Serbia face difficulties in this procedure. Our service allows you to reclaim documents in Serbia remotely, and we can carry out courier delivery of the document to anywhere in the world.
Validity of civil status documents in Serbia
Civil status documents issued in Serbia are usually valid indefinitely. However, the receiving party may impose time requirements.
When to obtain duplicate documents in Serbia
A duplicate birth certificate, marriage certificate, name change certificate, divorce certificate, criminal record certificate or death certificate may be required to register a marriage abroad, a newborn child, citizenship, inheritance, data verification for pension applications, opening bank accounts, employment and other bureaucratic issues.
What documents can be requested in Serbia:
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate
- Certificate of change of surname
- Divorce certificate
- Death certificate
- Certificates of good conduct
- Educational documents
- Other civil status documents
Birth certificate
A birth certificate is an official document provided by the Registrar or acting Registrar of the relevant Civil or Consular Register. It verifies details of an individual's birth, including the date, sex, and, if applicable, the time of birth and family relationships.
Serbia has a long history of civil registration, with compulsory civil records introduced in the first half of the 19th century, making registration one of the country’s oldest administrative professions. Today, civil records are maintained electronically, with new legislative provisions allowing the creation of a Register of Civil Records, establishing a unified register of citizens' personal status.
In Serbia, a birth certificate can be obtained from the local registry office where the birth was registered. The process is straightforward, and the certificate can be requested by the individual named on the certificate, their parents, or a legal representative.
Types of birth certificates
- Original Birth Certificate
- Extract from the Birth Register
- Certified Copy of Birth Certificate
The Original Birth Certificate contains all details registered at the time of birth, such as names, date and place of birth. Typically issued for official use.
The Extract from the Birth Registrar is a summary of the birth record. It may be requested for purposes such as applying for a passport or marriage licence.
The Certified Copy of Birth Certificate is a photocopy of the birth certificate, certified as a true copy by the registry office.
Required documents
- Valid ID
- Proof of relationship (parents ID or birth certificate)
Written request
Marriage certificate
In Serbia, a marriage certificate is an official document that confirms the legal union between two individuals. Marriage certificates are issued by the local registry office where the marriage was registered, and they are required for various legal, administrative, and personal purposes, such as changing names, applying for spousal benefits, or handling inheritance matters.
The certificate can be issued as an original certificate, an extract from the marriage register, or a certified copy. It is available in Serbian but can be provided in English or another language upon request, with an official translation if needed.
Required documents
- Valid ID
- Marriage Registration Information
- Request form
- Proof of relationship
Divorce certificate
A divorce certificate serves the purpose to verify the legal dissolution of a marriage. It is required for procedures such as remarrying, updating marital status on legal records, immigration applications, and legal matters involving custody, support, or property division.
In Serbia, a divorce certificate is an official document that confirms the dissolution of a marriage. It is issued by the local registry office where the divorce was finalized, or by the court that granted the divorce, depending on whether the divorce was handled administratively (through the registry office) or judicially (through the court).
The divorce certificate can be issued as an original certificate, an extract from the divorce register, or a certified copy.
Required documents
- Valid ID
- Original Divorce Decree
- Application Form
- Proof of Relationship (if applicable)
Death certificate
In Serbia, a death certificate is an official document that confirms the death of an individual and is required for legal and administrative purposes, such as inheritance, insurance claims, and other matters following a person's passing. It is issued by the local registry office where the death was registered.
The death certificate can be issued as an original certificate, an extract from the death register, or a certified copy
Required documents
- Name of the deceased
- Date and place of death
- Identification of the requester and proof of eligibility
- Authorization documents if requested by a representative
Police Clearance Certificates
A criminal record certificate, also known as a police certificate, is a document used to verify an individual's criminal record or confirm the absence of one. It is required for employment in sensitive fields, visa or immigration applications, volunteering, firearm permits and adoption proceedings.
The Serbian Criminal Records history is maintained by Ministry of Interior Department of Information and Investigation.
One should submit a written request to the Serbian Embassy in your country of residence, stating the requirement for a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) and authorizing an agency to collect it on your behalf. The applicant must provide their full name, date and place of birth, as well as the addresses and duration of all residences in Serbia, and submit a completed application form provided by the authorized agency; additionally, the police authorities will require an attestation letter from the embassy confirming the applicant’s stated period of residence in Serbia.
Required documents
- Valid ID
- Completed Application Form
- Proof of Residence
- Entry and Exit Stamps
- Visa Pages
- Attestation Letter from the Embassy
Educational documents
Foreign educational documents only carry the same legal value as Serbian documents if they are exempt from legalization or have undergone the necessary legalization process. Documents from countries with bilateral agreements with Serbia are fully exempt from legalization. Documents from countries that are part of the Hague Convention of 1961 undergo a simplified procedure called apostille. If neither countries are part of the convention or have bilateral agreements they undergo consular legalization
